Local World Record attempt made to help benefit cancer

December 9, 2011 at 11:07 PM EST - Updated June 26 at 2:07 AM

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - The Testicular Cancer Society is attempting the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Donation of Sports Balls in 24 hours." The attempt will take place from December 9th, at 5 p.m. until December 10th, at 5 p.m. at the Anderson Center Station located at 7832 Five Mile Road in Anderson Township.

Their goal is to collect 8290 sports balls, one ball for each young man diagnosed with testicular cancer in the U.S. this year, and then donate those balls to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for distribution to local underprivileged children during the holiday season.

"The harsh facts are that 8290 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer and one in four kids will be living in poverty this year," said Mike Craycraft, survivor and founder of the Testicular Cancer Society. "We are determined to take those two negatives and turn them into a positive."

"Toys for Tots can only distribute new balls to local children and these children are the priorities so please consider donating new balls first," said Craycraft. "However, we are accepting new and slightly used balls for the record attempt and any used balls will be distributed to secondary charities so that every ball will find a good home."

According to the Testicular Cancer Society's website, www.testicularcancersociety.org, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged 15-35 years. The organization is hoping that the Guinness World Record™ will help raise awareness and early detection. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and if caught early the survival rate is almost 100% but if caught in later stages the survival rate drops to 80%. Craycraft added, "On average, every hour of every day some man hears, "you have testicular cancer" and we want the next thing they hear to be, "but we caught it early." We can only accomplish this by making young men more aware of the disease."

The public is encouraged to help make the Guinness World Record™ attempt a success by dropping sports balls off during the event. For arranging donations outside of the event hours, for volunteers/sponsors or for more information see www.ballcall.org.